This heat mat reaches higher temperatures than a standard heat mat, allowing you to germinate seeds in cool areas and achieve warmer soil temperatures. This mat is an excellent tool for growers who start seeds in cool basements rather than greenhouses. In air temperatures cooler than 55° F, this mat warms the soil enough for proper germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons. Seedless watermelon growers love that this mat easily reaches the 90° F soil temperature that triploid melons require for germination. Mat measures 11" wide by 4' long, perfect for starting two flats of seeds. Mat is designed for use with your existing thermostat or the one included in our money-saving Heat Mat and Thermostat combo see item 70077. Note: Designed for use in air temperatures below 55° F or when soil temperatures over 80° F are needed. To avoid soil drying, germinate seeds in 128 cell plug trays or in larger pots or cells. Use a standard heat mat for proper germination in smaller cell sizes and all other temperature conditions.